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BFS statement on new guidance on vitamin D supplementation

Today Public Health England (PHE) published new advice on vitamin D supplementation. This advice is based on the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) following its review of the evidence on vitamin D and health.

There has been increasing information in recent years about the important role of vitamin D for healthy reproduction. The new guidance from PHE indicates that the general UK population (aged 4y and above) require a daily intake 10 μg/d (400 IU/d) and this includes pregnant and lactating women. It is therefore very important that women attending fertility clinics should be advised to take preconception vitamin D supplements alongside folic acid. Consideration should also be taken for the formal measurement of vitamin D levels, especially in high risk groups.